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The Thin Blue Line Between Protesters and Their Counter-Protesters

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Abstract

More frequently protests are accompanied by an opposing group performing a counter protest. This phenomenon can increase tension such that police must try to keep the two groups separated. However, what is the best strategy for police? This paper uses a simple agent-based model to determine the best strategy for keeping the two groups separated. The 'thin blue line' varies in density (number of police), width and the keenness of police to approach protesters. Three different groups of protesters are modelled to mimic peaceful, average and volatile protests. In most cases, a few police forming a single-file 'thin blue line' separating the groups is very effective. However, when the protests are more volatile, it is more effective to have many police occupying a wide 'thin blue line', and police being keen to approach protesters. To the authors knowledge, this is the first paper to model protests and counter-protests.

Suggested Citation

  • Tamsin E. Lee, 2018. "The Thin Blue Line Between Protesters and Their Counter-Protesters," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 21(2), pages 1-10.
    • Handle: RePEc:jas:jasssj:2017-61-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jae-Woo Kim & Robert Hanneman, 2011. "A Computational Model of Worker Protest," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 14(3), pages 1-1.
    2. Anna O. Pechenkina & D. Scott Bennett, 2017. "Violent and Non-Violent Strategies of Counterinsurgency," Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11.
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